LR News 2-24-12

February 24, 2012

Nikki Catsouras The Way We All Like to Remember Her

February 24, 2012

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The Ladera Ranch News

The Ladera Ranch News

The Ladera Ranch News

The Only Weekly Newspaper Exclusively for the Ladera Ranch Area

February 24, 2012

Grand Giant Cabbages Encourage Kids To Garden The North American youth is perhaps the future of gardening… Perhaps no other greenhouse grower is doing more to foster young gardeners than Bonnie Plants of Union Springs, Alabama. The company operates from 65 growing stations, in 48 states and its primary products are vegetable and herb plants offered at garden retailers nationwide (Home Depot, Lowes, Wal-Mart and 3700 independents.) Through the company’s Third Grade Cabbage Program, Bonnie Plants has shared more than 11 million cabbage plants with young students across the nation since 2002.

Teachers can sign their classes up (for free) at www.bonnieplants.com.

Last season more than 1.5 million kids participated. The cabbage plants delivered to third grade classrooms

by Bonnie Plants are O.S. Cross, (OS stands for oversized) –this variety of cabbage can grow upwards of 40lbs. Once the cabbage is fully grown students submit their photos of their cabbages to their teacher who picks “best in class”. Statewide “best in class” photos are then entered in a random drawing and State Agricultural Commissioners, state to state, randomly select their state’s winner.

Bonnie Plants awards each state win-

ner $1,000 towards education. “The joy of gardening and the satisfaction of growing healthy food are gifts that kids never outgrow. said Stan Cope, President of Bonnie Plants.

Bonnie Plants recently partnered with Growums, an online company, to promote gardening and healthy eating to kids. Bonnie licensed 8 animated veggie and herb characters that interact with users on www. growums.com Children purchasing these products receive a code on the plant tag that allows them to interact on the website with characters such as Hal E. Peno, Princess Strawberry and Duke the Cuke. Growums character images will be prominently displayed on all Bonnie’s point of purchase materials including the wraps for the company’s biodegradable pots.

Children can log on to Growums.com and play with the animated veggies and herb characters in a virtual world.

“With its entertaining characters, engaging videos, games and activities, the Growums brand is a great conduit to reach our next generation of gardeners” Cope said. “This experience-based learning will help inspire and build a love of gardening that will last a lifetime.

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ELKS LODGE DICTIONARY PROGRAM SIX YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL EXCEEDS 23,000 Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444 (“Elks Lodge”) has completed its sixth year of giving dictionaries to third grade students. Over that six year period, the Elks Lodge has given a cumulative total of 23,448 dictionaries to third graders in the Saddleback Valley.

On a national basis since the 1990s, the Dictionary Project has been able to reach an estimated cumulative total of 16,995,291 third graders. As of December 2011, an estimated 2,121,383 students have been reached in the 2011 - 2012 school year. In addition to local Lodges of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, other groups that distribute dictionaries on a national basis to third graders nclude: Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, Granges and Lions Clubs.

Elks Dictionary Project Chairman and Past Exalted Ruler Pat Martino said of the dictionary program, “I have participated in many charitable programs. The Elks Lodge dictionary program is one of the most satisfying charitable programs I have had the pleasure to lead.

The dictionaries not only help students in their crucial third grade but throughout their life time. I am reminded of the Chinese proverb, “Give a man a fish and you feed 2444, celebrating forty two (42) years of service to headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. The BPOE is him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed the Saddleback Valley communities, is one of ten a charitable organization with a 144 year istory of him for a lifetime.” lodges in the Orange Coast District of the Benevo- giving, “Elks Care, Elks Share.”

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February 24, 2012

Winners of Concerto Competition Perform at Saddleback College

Subscription Rates $26.00/year Editorial offices: 23472 Vista Del Verde, Suite 6 Coto de Caza, CA 92679-3930 949-589-9990 To send a press release: newseditorials@yahoo.com

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Ladera Ranch News is an independent weekly newspaper published every Friday.

We are not owned or operated by any of the big daily newspapers. The views and opinions expressed are those of the publisher and not any organization. No reproduction, in whole or in part is permitted without the express written permission of Ladera Ranch News.

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Catch a Rising Star! with the Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Branden Muresan, presents winners of the Annual Music Teachers Association of California Concerto Competition on Saturday, March 10th at 8pm in the McKinney Theatre. Conducted by Branden Muresan, this varied program features newly discovered young musical talent. Featured soloists are Saddleback students Chris Healy, cellist, and Saddleback College student Suzanne Kite, violinist. The program includes Gioacchino Rossini: Overture to L’italiana in Algeri (The Italian Girl in Algiers); Aram Khachaturian: Violin Concerto in D Minor, Movement 1; Gabriel Faure: Elegy Op. 24 for Cello and Orchestra; and Antonin Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 Op. 95From the New World.

A pre-concert interactive lecture will be presented by Dr. Donald Barra, Founding Director of the San Diego Chamber Orchestra, from 7:15 to 7:45 pm. Dr. Barra holds an A.B. degree from the Eastman School of Music, an M.S. degree from the Juilliard School of Music, and an Ed. D. from Columbia University. He taught and conducted at Columbia University, University of Pittsburgh, New York University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania and other institutions. He conducted orchestras throughout the United States, Canada and Europe including the Moscow Philharmonic, Wheeling, Denver, Annapolis, Santa Barbara, Chicago, Regina (Canada), Cleveland, Lexington, Pittsburgh, Amarillo, Kansas City, and Cannes -Provence Alpes Cote d’Azur (France). For 21 years he was Professor of Music and Director of Orchestras at San Diego

Suzanne Kite, Chris Healy Photographer: Nina Welch

State University and Artistic Director of The San Diego Chamber Orchestra.

Tickets are $10 general; $7 students/seniors. Call the ticket office at 949-582-4656 (noon-4, Tues-Sat) to order your tickets or online atwww. saddleback.edu/arts. Saddleback College is located at 28000 Marguerite Pkwy in Mission Viejo, just east of Interstate 5 at the Avery Parkway exit.

Parking is available in Lot 12. Take Avery Parkway to Marguerite Parkway turn left to the third traffic light, which is Saddleback’s Marguerite entrance.

Turn right into the campus and take the second left to Theatre Circle, turning right into Lot 12.

The Music Department has established a comprehensive program which is considered to be one of the finest in California: a complete lowerdivision curriculum for transferring music majors, numerous performance groups, private and group lessons,

a full concert series with faculty and guest artists, and general music courses. The nationally recognized faculty is dedicated to performance and to teaching in all areas such as vocal, instrumental, jazz, guitar and piano. Other music classes include harmony, musicianship, composition, history and appreciation of western art music, rock, jazz and world.

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community.

Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers more than 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals. For more information, please visitwww.saddleback.edu. For Fine Arts events, visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.

The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’

-Ronald Reagan The Ladera Ranch News

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February 24, 2012

The Ladera Ranch News

LADERA RANCH Dressage Riders Pursue Olympic Dreams at Upcoming Mid-Winter Dressage Fair and Festival of the Horse

Jan Ebeling and Rafalca at the 2011 Festival of the Horse (Photo: Jennier Keeler)

Written by Jennifer Keeler - Yellow Horse Marketing Athletes around the world who compete in sports ranging from archery to weightlifting are dreaming about the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. Equestrians are no exception, and West Coast dressage riders will begin their quests for a team berth at Cornerstone Event Management’s Mid-Winter Dressage Fair CDI-W and Festival of the Horse CDI 3* competitions in California this spring.

The Mid-Winter Dressage Fair CDIW/Y/J, scheduled for February 23 - 26 in Burbank, CA, will be the first West Coast qualifying competition for the 2012 Olympic Games Dressage Team Selection Trials, and is also one of only two California qualifiers for the 2012 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Finals.

Competitors attending the MidWinter Dressage Fair will experience a whole new look to the Los Angeles Page 6

Equestrian Center, as hi-tech and horse-friendly Olympic Mix footing has been installed in the outside large oval ring, including the warm-up area.

Regardless of weather, horses will be able to show off the best of their abilities in this soft, stable, non-slip footing, which is the same high-tech formula used at such prestigious events as the World Cup Finals and the Olympic Games. Officiating for this High Performance competition will be Jean-Michele Roudier (5*) of France, who will serve as a member of the ground jury for this summer’s Olympic Games. Roudier will be joined by esteemed judges Linda Zang (5* USA), Cara Whitham (5* CAN), Eddy de Wolff (4* NED), Jayne Ayers (4* USA), and Brenda Minor (4* CAN).

In addition to High Performance dressage, the Mid-Winter Dressage Fair will also feature five team challenges, adding a new element of competition and excitement for all levels of riders.

The $750 CDI Challenge and $500 Freestyle Challenge will pair riders from the CDI Grand Prix and Prix St.

The Ladera Ranch News

Oaks Blenheim in San Juan Capistrano

Georges/Intermediaire I divisions, while open show competitors will vie for additional prize money in the ProAm Upper Level Challenge (Third and Fourth Levels); Pro-Am Lower Level Challenge (First and Second Levels); and the All Amateur Training Level Challenge.

In an exciting development for this year’s show calendar, Cornerstone Event Management is working with Blenheim EquiSport to bring their second Olympic Games qualifier, the Festival of the Horse CDI 3*/Y/J, to “The Oaks” in beautiful San Juan Capistrano on March 29 - 31. As the site of the 2004 and 2008 U.S. Dressage Selection Trials for the Olympic Games, it was only natural for this spectacular facility to once again open its doors to North America’s top dressage competitors. Long known for its outstanding footing, “The Oaks” facility includes five sand and fiber arenas, with separate warm-up and lunging rings. The ground jury for this event will also feature a 2012 Olympic Games judge, the USA’s Gary Rock-

well (5*), joined by Mary Seefried (5* AUS), Jane Weatherwax (4* USA), Lorraine MacDonald (4* CAN), and Gabriel Armando (3* ARG). For additional excitement, the Festival of the Horse CDI will be held in conjunction with the Blenheim Spring Classic Hunter/Jumper show, featuring the $40,000 Grand Prix Jumping Event.

“I am very excited about holding the Festival of the Horse CDI 3* in San Juan Capistrano and working with the Blenheim EquiSport team,” said event organizer Glenda McElroy. “They have produced so many top hunter/ jumper events that it’s difficult to count them. Now this facility, with its outstanding footing and atmosphere, will give dressage riders another option for enjoying top competition. I see this as a tremendous opportunity for bigger and better events, more excitement for competitors and spectators, and exposure to a new audience. It should be very positive for dressage.”

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The Only Weekly Newspaper Exclusively for the Ladera Ranch Area

February 24, 2012

FACTS ARE IN: THE“College costs climb, yet again”

CNN Money, October 29, 2011 “California’s public universities enacted the highest average tuition increase, 21%, of any state” Los Angeles Times, October 26, 2011 “The University of California...raised annual tuition this year to $12,192, also three times more than the rate paid by students a decade ago.”

Orange County Register, January 28, 2012

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February 24, 2012

The Ladera Ranch News

Society Scene by

Kelly Bennett Exclusively for the Ladera Ranch News

Private Yacht Cruise Benefits Red Cross As the sun set in Newport Harbor, around 50 philanthropists, VIP’s and special guests of the American Red Cross were catered to an extraordinary evening of cocktails, dinner and a harbor cruise featuring Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, the “category 5 general” of Hurricane Katrina fame as the featured guest speaker.

Climbing aboard the 105 foot custom built multimillion dollar motor yacht; folks were amazed by its beauty. Bill and Sue Johnson, from Johnson Machinery are the proud owners of The “Dulcinea” and hosted this exquisite evening to benefit the American Red Cross. The yacht was built in 1988 and travels from as far as Sitka, Alaska to the Panama Canal. This luxury yacht is equipped with 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms with beautiful exterior teak decks and ripsaw white oak. The inside is just as sleek with top of the line beautiful décor, utilizing granite and marble along with hand laid tile. It takes about three full time crew members to run the boat while traveling; Captain Ron Stephens kept us on track circling the bay at a nice cruising speed that was smooth as glass.

Enjoying the appetizers created by Robert Redmond Catering in Newport Beach, guests dined on caprese salad skewers, vegetable tarts of roasted peppers and eggplant with goat cheese, stuffed artichoke hearts with Lemon Aioli and Focaccia with three cheeses and sun dried tomatoes. Dinner consisted of Field of Greens salad with lemon thyme dressing, California Fresh Asparagus, and Chicken Tetrazzini with mushrooms, almonds and water chestnuts. Dessert guests enjoyed cream puffs with fresh caramel and whip cream, chocolate chip and palmiers cookies.

While everyone was enjoying their delectable desserts, Rick Reiff, host of SoCal Insider on PBS SoCal welcomed and thanked those that were there.

He introduced Stanley Purdue, the CEO of The American Red Cross serving Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Purdue introduced and thanked Bill and Sue Johnson for hosting the intimate affair on their yacht and also recognized them as founding members of the Humanitarian Circle of the American Red Cross. The Humanitarian Circle is an exclusive group of leaders who utilize their collective financial power to change lives and strengthen their communities through their support of the American Red Cross. He also recognized Suzanne Fradette and Ellie McGrew as Founding members of the Tiffany Circle, a society of women leaders and philanthropists that was started two years ago. They are both lifetime members pledging $100,000 over 10 years.

Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré then came up and spoke to the group. His passion is very evident for the American Red Cross, telling everyone he wants to create a “culture of preparedness” and that he’s committed to spending the second half of his life to this. “Every effort I take, whether it is my website, public speaking/lectures, fundraisers or the books I have written or will write, will be committed to this cause,” he said. He also encouraged everyone to learn first aid and CPR, and especially to be prepared for a disaster. Those who the Red Cross helps are normally those who do not have family or another place to go in case of an emergency. The Red Cross also is there for our military; he spent 37 years, 3 months and 3 days in the Army - 9 ½ of those years were overseas.

He spoke about World War I, how there were 30 million Red Cross volunteers in the United States. That’s twice as many as we have today he announced.

Money needs to be raised to help the organization help America. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donation of time, money and blood to do its work.

So whether it’s a call for a hurricane or a heart attack; a call for blood or a call for help, the American Red Cross is there to help. For more information visit www.oc-redcross.org.

Photos By Ann Chatillon Page 8

The Ladera Ranch News

Ishell Linares, Ole and Michele Nielsen with Bill Blanning and Bridget Kelly

Bill and Sue Johnson pose outside “The Dulcinea”

Mary Ann Brown with Rick Reiff and Suzanne Fradette

Ret. Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré poses with Courtney and Harald Herrmann

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February 24, 2012

The Ladera Ranch News

What is Dressage Horse Back Riding?

By Regina Sass Dressage is a French word that means training. And to be a top dressage rider takes years of training and hours of practice, A horse and rider must move as one, with just a gentle pressure with knees or reins as communication. Dressage is sometimes referred to as ballet on horseback and rightfully so.

There is no quick way to learn Dressage, either for rider or horse.

Dressage is learned in a logical, step-by-step progression from simple to increasingly complex movements and takes a tremendous amount of patience on the part of both horse and rider. A finely tuned team is just simply poetry in motion.

Here is what you will see if you ever have the privilege of going to a dressage competition.

There are two sections in the competition, like in ice skating. There are the compulsory exercises and then the free style which is performed to music which is choreographed specifically for the team and must contain certain movements.

This is what to look for in a competition.

Extensions: An extension is usually

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done when a horse is trotting. When a horse trots, he most diagonal legs at the same time, that is right front and left rear, then left front and right rear. When a horse is asked to do an extension, he lengthens his stride and should look like he is effortlessly moving around the arena *Lateral movements When doing a lateral, the horse goes forward first and then, when commanded to switches to a lateral or sideways movement. The switch must be effortless and smooth, almost imperceptible.

Pirouettes The horse is commanded to turn in a circle while at cantor. The cantor gait is a threestep gait and the fastest one used in dressage. The horse steps like this The Right-Lead Canter: 1st beat left hind leg, 2nd beat right hind / left fore, 3rd beat right fore leg. The Left-Lead Canter 1st beat right hind leg, 2nd beat left hind / right fore 3rd beat left fore leg. Think of the complexity of the canter combined with moving in a tight circle and you will understand the high degree of difficulty involved in this movement.

Flying Changes. In order to perform this movement correctly, the horse

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must by highly trained. The horse canters around the area and must change from a right lead to a left lead effortlessly. The change must be smooth without breaking stride.

Piaffe This is one of the hardest movements Think of it as a person jogging in place, only with four legs instead of two. And in-between the movements the horse must be suspended in air, in other words all legs off the ground. Try jogging in place and keep both feet of the ground for a second in between steps. It is not as easy as it sounds. .

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Passage: This is a slow trot, or a collected trot meaning the rider has to control the trot with the use of the reins to controlled the speed. The horse must go in a perfectly straight line.

If you watch the Olympics, you will see dressage at the top level, but there are horse clubs in your area, check them out and attend their competitions. Now that you have a little knowledge of the sport, you will be able to enjoy it more. See if you can pick the winner.

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February 24, 2012

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Page 11

The Only Weekly Newspaper Exclusively for the Ladera Ranch Area

February 24, 2012

The Ladera Ranch News

Add Some Excitement to Your Routine The benefits of an active lifestyle extend far beyond enhancing your body. Get out of a rut and add some excitement to your routine. A little change can go a long way and help you stay motivated.

Jump-start your day by using these inspirational tips to help you make smart choices for a balanced lifestyle.

Staying Active: Make time. Finding time for fitness can be a challenge, so sneak in more physical movement when you can. While watching TV at home, try doing lunges during commercial breaks or lifting weights.

Change up your route. Varying your walking, jogging or cycling route or teaming up with a partner are two great ways to stay motivated.

Eating Well: Incorporate more color. Plan meals around dark green vegetables like spinach and broccoli and brightly-colored apples and oranges. Try a turkey wrap with leaf spinach, carrot slices and honey mustard on 1/3 cup plain yogurt a whole-wheat tortilla.

1 tablespoon apple juice For more great tasting and simple recipes, visit Snack well. Snacks should contain no more than www.NaturallyPoweredbyYou.com.

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 100 to 200 calories, so pay attention to food intake 2 tablespoons dry roasted sunflower kernels between meals. Choose healthier snack options such Apple Peanut Butter Snack as celery, nuts and hummus to keep you energized Place apple slices on serving plates. Stir together Prep Time: 10 min and focused. peanut butter, yogurt, apple juice and cinnamon until Yield: 2 servings Eat simply. Try natural peanut butter on your next blended. celery stick or pretzel. Smucker’s® Natural Peanut Spoon peanut butter mixture evenly on apples.

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Dressage Horses: An Overview What Makes a Horse Good for Dressage?

By Rena Sherwood Any horse, pony, donkey or mule can learn to do the maneuvers used in dressage. However, it takes a certain type of horse to be able to win a Grand Prix dressage event (dressage’s highest level). Although many breeds can be found at a Grand Prix dressage event, they are all of a certain type - flexible like an archer’s bow.

The Dressage Silhouette When you watch a Grand Prix dressage competition, it seems that all of the mounts have been cut out from different materials using the same pattern. Their shadows will cast nearly the same silhouette. Only their colors, sizes and thickness of tails tend to be only differing factors.

Even while standing or doing extended gaits, the dressage horse must be well collected. This means that the neck is shaped like a curved bow, with the nose pointing mostly to the ground. The hindquarters should also be collected in that the hind legs are well under the horse and powering him along. By being collected, a horse is in a better position to stay Page 12

balanced and to listen to the rider’s silent aids.

If you’ve ever seen a completely relaxed horse, their limbs look as if they’re all over the place. Their heads lower and they loose their roundness and their sense of balance. When they don’t have a rider, this isn’t so important. But with a rider’s weight, being suddenly asked to do a turn could make the horse stumble (at worst) or completely ignore the rider (at best).

When a horse is collected and fits into the dressage silhouette, a rider can use very subtle signals to cue the horse as to what to do. Ideally, it looks as if the rider isn’t doing anything.

This saves on a lot of tugging at a horse’s sensitive mouth.

The Warmbloods The usual breeds in dressage Grand Prix events are warmbloods or sport horses. Warmbloods ride the happy balance between an Arabian’s almost fragile slimness and the sheer brute power of a draft horse. Older Thoroughbreds (while technically hotbloods), if they are trained slowly and allowed for their bodies to put on muscle before being asked to do

The Ladera Ranch News

strenuous tasks, can make ideal dressage horses.

Many warmblood or sport horse breeds do have Thoroughbred in their parent stock somewhere.

Some even have draft horse or pony blood. There are such creatures as warmblood mules (a cross between a donkey jack and a warmblood mare) that can make excellent dressage competitors.

Grand Prix dressage horse breeds include the Hanoverians, the Trakehner, the Belgian Warmblood, the Dutch Wa r m b l o o d , t h e Selle Francais, the Irish Sport Horse, the become limber enough to perform Lippizanner, the Andalusian and even dressage competitively. Performance the American Saddlebred and the is what counts, not a pedigree.

Friesian. Crossbreeds can certainly

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The Ladera Ranch News

The Basic Dressage Principles

By Stacie Campuzano Dressage, a French term, is fundamentally the schooling or education of the horse. Therefore, dressage principles are for every horse. The primary aim of dressage is to create a riding horse that is a calm, obedient and willing partner athletically capable of meeting the rider’s demands.

It is based on a systematic process of training that began with the ancient Greeks, continued through the Renaissance, and remains today as both a classical art for maximizing the capabilities of all riding horses and as a form of competition in itself.

In 1912 a scale of training was established which has been streamlined into a globally recognized schematic to demonstrate the subsequent stages of development in the training of a horse. The United States Dressage Federation calls it the Pyramid of Training. The steps of the training scale are Rhythm, Suppleness, Contact, Impulsion, Straightness, and Collection. However, these basic dressage principles can be succinctly categorized by the enduring axiom that a horse should be ridden, “calm, forward, and straight.”

This is quintessentially the dressage principle by which all horses are ridden and trained. Without them, no other aspect of the training scale can be effectively developed. Horses performing without adherence to dressage principles are merely performing parlor tricks. Additionally, their physical and mental well-being is not being tended to.

A horse that has been trained and ridden according to basic dressage principles is characterized by a balanced way of going. It will demonstrate cadenced light steps and a relative elevation of the forehand in relation to the haunches which will be more flexed and lowered. Horses that are ridden freely forward will step with the hind legs further under their mass, closer to the center of gravity.

This quality is called engagement. As the horse becomes more engaged, the hind quarters will flex and lower on each step creating an undulating swing to the horse’s back so long as he has been kept calm in the process. Riding transitions and circles in thoughtful patterns allows a rider to both energize and quiet a horse as needed to create engagement without sacrificing the quality of calm while achieving a forward way of going.

Typically, riding bent lines, like circles, figure eights and spirals have a calming effect on a horse. Straight lines on the other hand tend to energize a horse. Mixing them appropriately Page 14

allows a rider to develop the forward motion of the horse needed for good engagement while also keeping the horse relaxed.

However, all horses have a stronger and weaker side much as humans do. For a horse, this means one side of the body is slightly hollow or concave in relation to the other which will feel bulging and stiff to the rider.

This innate crookedness has the effect causing the horse to appear stiff during turns and sideward movements as well as lose its balance. A straightened horse will turn and execute bending and lateral movements with equal grace in both directions.

The remedy is also the cure, and that is to ride bending lines and corners with attention to the horse using its whole body to bend from the poll to the tail as well to the left as it does to the right. Through practice, the horse will become more “straight” or evenly skilled from left to right.

An onlooker watching a horse ridden and trained according to the basic principles of dressage, would see that a horse so well balanced would maintain nearly perfect rhythm and cadence as it performed the compulsory gaits and figures. Further, the horse by compassionate training would trust the rider and feel comfortable in the demands remaining calm. Gentle champing at the bit, a swinging tail, and a soft expression with the ears flicking curiously to the rider are key indicators of a calm horse that enjoys its partnership.

Ultimately, the horse will become more beautiful by being ridden calm, forward, and straight than when it was still untrained and un-ridden.

To this day, dressage tests are judged by criteria which seek to mea-

The Ladera Ranch News

sure the degree to which the horse exhibits these qualities. In a dressage test, riders at sequential levels of increasing difficulty, each ride the same compulsory pattern as an individual. A twenty by sixty meter arena is marked with letters in specific locations establishing points where transitions between gaits or geometric figures must be placed. Riders are judged on a scale from zero to ten for each individual movement or transition within the test, with zero reflecting that the movement was not performed and a score of ten declaring that it was excellent. Marks are totaled and divided by the number of possible points should all elements have received a ten. The percentage is figured and this score is used to rank the competitors for the purpose of awards. A score in the range of the sixtieth percentile is considered adequate for the given level; however, riders seek to achieve scores into the seventieth percentile. Scores over 80% are rare and generally seen in freely composed rides to music for which there is an artistic component to the score. Only at the Olympic and World Class level are scores routinely over 80% in the highest placements.

Riders find that paying close attention to the most basic principles of dressage through the whole test, they score higher than focusing on a few flashy movements while losing the quality of their basics in between.

Many riders enjoy the fact that by riding the same compulsory pattern

at a series of events and under different panels of judges, they can see a trend of progression. On any given day, the winner has in reality shown the lesser of evils as a perfect score is virtually impossible. Therefore, the trend of scores an individual receives over a season is more indicative of success than the individual placing at any one event.

Dressage is as much about the process as it is the destination. For many enthusiasts dressage is a path of achieving unity with the horse.

Keeping the essential principles in mind anyone training a horse for any purpose can maximize its potential.

Even a prospect for jumping or endurance racing will be easier to ride, more obedient, and maintain better physical health through the demands of sport if it is trained and ridden according the dressage principles of calm, forward and straight.

The Ladera Ranch News

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flavor, menu items include Chile Relleno, Carnitas, Fajitas, Eggs Machaca, Chimicangas, Veggie Burrito, Fish Tacos, Shrimp Enchiladas, Taco Salad. Margaritas, Tequilas y Mas! Plus catering at your home or office. Open for lunch & dinner 7 days a week, plus Weekend Breakfast. Located at Oso/ Marguerite in the Pavillion’s Shopping center,

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Featuring an open style kitchen, our executive chef will tempt your palate with entrees including thick steaks, chops and island style fresh fish. In addition, we feature an extensive wine list and a martini bar. Open for lunch and dinner.

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executive served chef will tempt your palate Breakfast daily from 8am to 11am with entrees including thick steaks, chops Smokey Joe Croissants, Sausage, Eggs, and islandtheir stylehot fresh fish.

In addition, we Bacon.Try link Breakfast Burrito, feature anthe extensive winedogs list and martini for lunch wood fired havea all best bar. Open for lunch and dinner. flavors, tastes and toppings.

Catering is also available.

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AuBreakfast served food dailyincluding from 8amChili to 11am thentic Mexican Verde, Smokey JoeHuevos Croissants, Sausage, Eggs, Omelettes, Rancheros, Tostadas, Bacon.Try their hot linktraditional Breakfast Burrito, Carne Asada, Menudo, burritos for lunch the wood fired Fish, dogsBeans have all best including Beef, Chicken, (Vegflavors, tastes toppings. etarian), Chile and Rellenos, Taquitos, Enchila1701Imported corporate ladera das. anddrive, domestic beers.Ranch (949) 364-7080 27602 Antonio Pkwy, 364-5614

JAlAPeno’s RestAuRAnt Open for dA breakfast, lunch & AulAtte BAGelRy &dinner.

GRill thentic Mexican food including Chili Verde, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner served all Omelettes, Huevos Rancheros, Tostadas, day. Fifteen different types of bagels made CarneSalads, Asada, burgers, Menudo,plus traditional burritos daily.

Italian specialincluding Beef, Chicken, Fish, Beans (Vegties like Chicken Alfredo. opens at 6am etarian), Chile Rellenos, Taquitos, Enchiladaily; closes at 9pm Monday through das. Imported domestic Saturday, openand until 4pm on beers.

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Fifteen different types of bagels made neWPoRt RiB coMPAny daily.

Salads,selection burgers, of plus Italian specialA complete aged, midwestern ties like Chicken Alfredo. opens at 6am corn-fed USDA choice steaks and prime daily; closespork at 9pm Monday through rib, tender & beef ribs, fresh seafood, Saturday,fresh opensalads until 4pm on Sunday. chicken, and sandwiches.

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Zagat the “best chicken, fresh salads and” Daily sandwiches. value in Orange County. specials Take outfresh dailyfish, fromsteaks, 10:30am; from include pizzalunch and hearty 11:30am. Now open for dinner at 4pm. sandwiches.

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Superb Shanghai Street Noodles, available Newly remodeled restaurant on the Lake, in few places the globe, make the trip expanded theon dining area, full service bar,to Mission Viejo Mall necessity. waiting lounge anda veritable a front dining patio.

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All Laker games, NHL, Fox Soccer and all P.F. Games. chAnGs Top TacochinA Tuesdays,BistRo Slider WednesSuperb Shanghai Noodles, available days, Taste of ItalyStreet Thursdays, DJ Friday in few places on the globe, make the tripFri. to nights. Happy Hour 11am to 6pm Mon.Mission Viejo Mall a veritable necessity.

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Menu items include Calabrese Pizza, Pasta the RAnch sPoRts GRill Estiva, Gnocchi Catanzaro, Grilled Halibut All Laker games, NHL, Fox Soccer and all or Salmon, Shrimp Calabrese, Mostaccioli Top Games. Taco Tuesdays, Slider WednesArrabbiata, Veal Sorrentino, Osso Buco, days, Taste of Italy Thursdays, DJ Friday Eggplant Sorrentino and more. Don’t forget nights. Happy Hour 11am to 6pm Mon.- Fri. to try one of the homemade desserts like 27412 Antonio Pkwy.

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949-586-0722 tRABuco oAks steAkhouse Forty years serving choice meats and seafood. Home of the famous “2-pound steak.” Relax while you sip one of our RestAuRAnt sumptuous wines or cocktails or a frosty ReVieWs WAnted! beer.

Everyone welcome - straight from work or the trail dressed a night Have youoffdined outor recently infor Ladera out. OPEN: 5pm to 9pm; Fri.like and Ranch?

TheSun.-Thurs.

Ladera Ranch News would Sat. 5pm to 9:30pm. call after 2pm your opinion and wePlease are actively looking reservations. for more reviews of local area restaurants that are NOT already listed on this page.

949-586-0722 Please make it brief and informative with 50 words or less. Reviews must include your name, phone or email address (please do not send reviews on fast food or strictly RestAuRAnt pizza places). Please send your Restaurant ReVieWs WAnted!

Review to newseditorials@yahoo.com Have you dined out recently in Ladera Ranch? The Ladera Ranch News would like your opinion and we are actively looking for more reviews of local area restaurants that are NOT already listed on this page.

Please make it brief and informative with 50 words or less. Reviews must include your name, phone or email address (please do not send reviews on fast food or strictly pizza places). Please send your Restaurant Review to newseditorials@yahoo.com

RoMAcrown d’ itAliA 25606 Valley Pkwy.

Menu items 276-5712 include Calabrese Pizza, Pasta

Estiva, Gnocchi Catanzaro, Grilled Halibut or Salmon, Shrimp Calabrese, Mostaccioli Arrabbiata, Veal Sorrentino, Osso Buco, siMPly Fondue Eggplant Sorrentino and more. Don’t forget Fabulous fondues composed of delicious to try one of the homemade desserts like meats, cheeses, breads, fruits and vegetaTiramisu, Rum Cake, Cannoli and Cheesebles with steaming savory sauces. cake. You can also order beer and wine Worth the short trip to with some good, inexpensive Chiantis by 31761 camino capistrano, the bottle.

san Juan capistrano 25606 crown Valley Pkwy.

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The Ladera Ranch News

Page 15

The Only Weekly Newspaper Exclusively for the Ladera Ranch Area

February 24, 2012

The Ladera Ranch News

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Wine poured and shared… this is my blood.

Do this in memory of me… Corpus Christi!

We’ve grown! Corpus Christi Catholic-Christian Community invites you to share our life in our exciting new church. Come, share our WORSHIP, our HOSPITALITY, our EFFORTS to be the Body and Blood of Christ in Aliso Viejo.

JOIN US FOR THE CELEBRATION!

MASS: Saturday 5pm • Sunday 8am, 10am and Noon “Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, our Catholic-Christian community seeks to fully understand, embrace, and live as God’s children and diciples of Jesus Christ.”

- Corpus Christi Catholic-Christian Community Mission Statement

27231 Aliso Viejo Pkwy., Aliso Viejo

Phone(949) 389-9008 Fax(949) 831-6540

Find out More About us at www.avcatholics.org

Ladera Ranch Birth Announcement The Ladera Ranch News is Happy to Announce the Birth of Your Newborn Baby’s Name _________________________ Date of Birth__________________________ Weight ______________________________ Length ______________________________ Parents _____________________________ ____________________________________

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The Ladera Ranch News, 23472 Vista del Verde, Suite 6, Coto de Caza, CA 92679 Page 16

The Ladera Ranch News

Former Orange County Prosecutor Former Public Defender Licensed to practice in all State Courts in California 12 years Experience

The Ladera Ranch News

The Only Weekly Newspaper Exclusively for the Ladera Ranch Area

FINANCIAL

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE

PRIVATE MONEY LENDER WANTED – High Yield 8% paid quarterly.Safe-Secure Minimum $100 K. OAKTREE CAPITAL 949-412-9936

SHARE LUXURY OFFICE in Prime RSM location. Reception + 3 Furnished Offices available. Conference room, Gym, Kitchen, Baths. Baths include Shower & Lockers. Plenty of Parking and Warehouse Space. Won’t Last...

Call Today! 949-275-6573

PET Services AT DOG TRAINING. Reasonable hourly rates. Postive reinforcement methods. Adele and Amy 949-433-2396

HOMES FOR LEASE

TUTOR

3400 / 3br - Just Reduced! Highly Upgraded Walk to Beach (San Clemente, CA) This highly upgraded custom 3 Bedroom, 2.5 bath, plus office/ utility area has many upgraded fixtures including travertine flooring, custom staircase with rod-iron railing, granite counter tops, stainless steel Jen Air appliances, custom cabinetry, recessed lighting, beautiful light fixtures, wiring for flat screen in master bedroom & family room and 2 fireplaces and balconies, tankless water heater and much more! 949-292-4895

MATH TUTOR - Experienced, professional & caring.

Grades 3-12, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I/II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, College Algebra. Also a home-school tutor. 949-302-9423 READY FOR FINALS!? Math & Statistics Tutor- UCLA Grad with over 10 years experience. Effective SAT Math Expert. Local references in Coto de Caza, Dove Canyon and Ladera Ranch, www.boomerangtutoring. com , 310-384-7628.

EXPERIENCED Math Tutor in RSM! Retired Math Teacher Tutoring Elementary through Colllege Algebra.

Call 949-521-2526

MUSIC LEARN TO CREATE MUSIC! Write and record songs. Make Beats. No musical experience necessary. Cory 949-9734146 createmusicproductions.com PIANO AND VOICE lesson with Peter.

My studio or your home. Great with kids.

All musical styles, 949-282-7756. First lesson free!

MUSIC LESSONS OCMusic Center located in RSM at Empressa & Aventura.

WWW.OCMUSICCENTER.COM Call 949-858-0900 EMPLOYMENT Display Advertising Sales Representatives.

Experienced ad sales representatives to sell ads for South Orange County’s top 5 weekly newspapers. Weekly draw against commissions, benefits, protected accounts. Experienced only, no trainees.

Fax resume in confidence to 949-5896429 LOCKSMITH LOCKSMITH SERVICE 24/7.

Commercial, Auto and Residential.

Great Rates ! Call For A Free Quote.

949-529-4744 HOME SERVICES RYAN’S Hauling Service, demolition, trash pick-up, garage clean up. No job too small. Also handyman/odd jobs 949293-5691 HOUSECLEANING by Polish Married Couple.

Professional, reliable with local references. Call: 949-701-7494 CUSTOM WOOD STAINING/REFINISHING. Time To Update Your Stairs Or Cabinets. Add Value and Beauty To Your Home. Stain Matching, Refinishing, Lacquering, Glazing and Varnishing. Local References Available. 714 299-5202

STABLES Maxwell Stables in Coto, stalls available 12x24 covered stalls, feed & clean twice daily. 949-858-9700 or 636-3458

$1275 / 2br - Living Too Far Away and Paying Too Much? (Newport Beach) A gated community near the prestigious Santa Ana Country Club, Palm Mesa Apartments feature first class amenities at coach prices: lush landscaping, heated pool and spa, on-site laundry, well-equipped fitness center, patios, balconies, and courtyards. Easy freeway access means we’re only minutes away from the John Wayne Airport, the shopping centers of South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island, and the sparkling sands of the beach. 714-546-9860

pool, lighted tennis courts, hiking trails & championship golf course. agent 949355-9520

In Loving Memory

Written memorial tributes in the newspaper are always meaningful to friends, relatives and loved ones.

For obituary assistance, or to be certain that an obituary or other memorial tribute is included in the newspaper please call (949) 589-9990.

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San Clemente Great 2 bedroom 1 bath with fireplace, one car garage, carport, big kitchen with pool and coin washer and dryer. Right near Starbucks and in the middle of downtown, Great location three blocks to ocean and pier. $1500 949-212-3246 Close to lake and shopping. 1 bedroom with loft.

Great views. Fireplace. Highly upgraded. Light and bright with high ceilings. Private and gated. Pets considered. agent 949-858-8185 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car attached garage, membership to Mission Viejo lake and amenities.

Single story home in Mission Viejo with yard.

Upgraded in beautiful neighborhood. agent 949697-3342 Ex ecutive

home in the guard gated community of Dove Canyon with view.

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$1189 / 1br - One Bedroom (Mission Viejo) Starting rates are for selected units on a 12 month lease term only with approved credit. Terms and rates are subject to change without notice. $450 Security Deposit is on Approved Credit. 888485-7125 $4100 / 4br - 3500 SF HOME, Mission Viejo.

Upgraded to the max and absolutely wonderful - island kitchen with walk-in pantry, granite counters, travertine floors & imported antique hardwood floors throughout (no carpet anywhere), 3 fireplaces including one in the master bedroom and a fabulous master bathroom. 949-683-0498

February 24, 2012

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The Ladera Ranch News

Page 17

The Only Weekly Newspaper Exclusively for the Ladera Ranch Area

February 24, 2012

The Ladera Ranch News

1 million shoes donated to children in need

Nicole Catsouras

CHP Settles Suit Over Leaked Photos of Deceased LADERA RANCH Teen nicole catsouras In October of 2006 grisly photographs of an Orange County teen killed in a car accident began spreading online. The photos were leaked by the California Highway Patrol.

The Law Firm of Bremer Whyte filed an immediate lawsuit and coordinated efforts with the family to get the offending photos off of the web.

After five years of legal battling, the young woman’s family has settled the lawsuit against the CHP. The photos from the Halloween 2006 accident graphically show 18-year-old Nicole “Nikki” Catsouras maimed in her father’s mangled Porsche. Lead by Keith Bremer and Tyler Offenhauser, the family filed a lawsuit against the CHP, launching an unprecedented legal discussion. At the time the lawsuit was filed, the law did not recognize the right of family members to sue for invasion of privacy involving photos of the dead on the internet. But that changed in 2010 when the state’s 4th District Court of Appeal established that surviving family members have a right to sue for invasion of privacy in such cases.

“The Catsouras family is pleased that this case established laws to protect against this type of activity going forward, and that it raised significant awareness concerning cyberbullying,” Keith Bremer said in a front page OC Register article on the case. “Public entities throughout the U.S. have now established protocols to ensure photos like these that serve no public benefit remain protected Page 18

so that other families are not subject to the taunting and bullying that still goes on even today.” (Source: OC Register) As part of the settlement, the California Highway Patrol also agreed to cooperate with the family in fighting to remove the images from the Internet.

“No amount of money can compensate for the pain the Catsouras family has suffered,” CHP spokeswoman Fran Clader said in a statement. “We have reached a resolution with the family to save substantial costs of continued litigation and a jury trial.

It is our hope that with this legal issue resolved, the Catsouras family can receive some closure.” (Source: LATimes.com) The family expressed congratulations to Keith G. Bremer and his team of attorneys for their thoughtful and aggressive approach on behalf of the Catsouras family. To speak with Keith directly and for more information regarding the case, please call (949) 221-1000.

Attorneys Nicole Whyte and Keith Bremer

The Ladera Ranch News

Nordstrom Inc., Cole Haan, and New Balance executives will join hundreds of Shoes That Fit supporters at the FIRST EVER Sneaker Ball, Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the historic Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, Calif. The ball commemorates Shoes That Fit’s One Millionth Pair of shoes donated to school children in the U.S. and the 20th Anniversary of the California based non-profit organization.

“Southern California’s philanthropic community will come together for this spectacular evening of inspiration and entertainment with gourmet dining, silent and live auctions and many surprises,” said Shoes That Fit Executive Director, Roni Lomeli.

“If you love shoes this is the place to be to bid on shoes and accessories from the top footwear designers in the world at our silent auction,” said Lomeli.

The Shoes That Fit mission is to provide new shoes to children who wouldn’t otherwise have them.

They began in 1992, helping students at one school in Pomona, CA. Last year, Shoes That Fit volunteers gave away 120,000 pairs of new shoes to children in need at more than 1,900 schools in 41 states.

Shoes That Fit accomplishes their mission with five staff members working from its office in Claremont, Calif., without any government funding. They have been successful in this mission because the volunteers care enough

to make a difference for children in need in their own communities throughout the United States.

“We are so happy to celebrate our 20th Anniversary of helping children with shoes that fit their feet” said Lomeli.

She added, “The evening will feature a cocktail reception, a gourmet dinner prepared by The Roosevelt Hotels’ four star Executive Chef Rainer Schwarz and entertainment from international recording artist Emi Meyer,” said Lomeli.

Other auction items up for grabs include tickets to the American Music Awards, a one-week condo for six in Maui, a real life racing experience at the California Speedway, and a luxury timepiece!

The headliner for the night will be international recording sensation Emi Meyer, fresh from tours of Europe and Asia. Emi had the distinction of being the “most downloaded Single of the Week artist on iTunes in Japan in 2009”.

Sponsors and attendees for the evening include long-time partner Nordstrom, and shoe giant New Balance, Cole Haan.

Shoes That Fit is also unveiling their 20th Anniversary video by Emmy-nominated videographer Todd Covelli, celebrating their work of the first two decades. Three very special guests instrumental in their success will also be honored.

For more information please visit ShoesThatFit.org or call (800) 715-4333.

The Ladera Ranch News

The Only Weekly Newspaper Exclusively for the Ladera Ranch Area

The Ladera Ranch News

February 24, 2012

Page 19

February 24, 2012

The Only Weekly Newspaper Exclusively for the Ladera Ranch Area

The Ladera Ranch News

Debra Kovacs Ranked #39 Worldwide As a real estate professional who continues to successfully navigate one of the most challenging markets in recent history, Debra Kovacs is constantly asked, “What’s your secret?” She never hesitates in her answer. “There is no secret to success,” she asserts. “ It’s hard work, adaptability and a commitment to meeting your clients’ needs. As our market and industry continue to shift, smart agents are amending their businesses accordingly. Those of us who have remained in the industry are here because this is our career, not a job.”

Debra knows plenty about working beyond the traditional 9-10-5 model. Before dedicating herself to real estate she owned and ran a complete design center for over a decade. From new home interiors and retail schemes to staging and decorating model homes, she worked closely with clients to assist them in creating unique spaces that reflected their lifestyles. And as a real estate professional, she taps into the very skills that helped her build a thriving design business.

“Real estate is a complex industry,” observes Debra. “While incorporating and utilizing technology is essential, this business is still about people, about relationships.” She makes a point of engaging in face-to-face meetings with her clients at the onset of any transaction because, says Debra, “Why would someone entrust me with one of the largest investments in their lives if we can’t actually sit down and talk to each other?”

Building a strong level of communication is critical, she explains, particularly when issues or challenges arise. ‘’I’m direct and straightforward with the information I present to my clients,” Debra notes. “It is important to me that they have the knowledge they need to make the right decisions for themselves and their families.”

As a longtime resident of Coto de Caza, Debra is intimately familiar with the community’s resources and amenities. Her ability to pair clients with neighborhoods that meet their lifestyle criteria adds immeasurable value to the level of service she provides. “ It’s convenient, particularly for individuals who are coming in from other regions, not to have to research every detail of the community,” she explains. A topproducing agent who has ranked #1 within the CENTURY 21 Award system in South County for over 10 years, In 2011 Debra was recently recognized as 39th worldwide from a field of 7600 offices and 71 countries and from a pool of over 112,000 agents. She personally handled over 44 closed transactions. Debra notes that her consistent production belies a deeper understanding of the market trends within the region. “I’m constantly showing and selling homes,” she states. “ I have a strong working knowledge of market values and trends, and use that information to best position my clients in their real estate transactions.”

Achieving status as one of the region’s most successful real estate professionals doesn’t happen without exceptional support. Debra’s assistant has been a part of her business for a decade. “My team is an extension of me,” she offers. “ In every aspect of my business, I work with individuals who offer the utmost in client care. This ensures that my clients’ needs are consistently being met.” Throughout the transaction, she adds, Debra takes the lead on communication and negotiation, utilizing her experience and extensive network of colleagues and industry-related specialists to facilitate a smooth and successful experience.

In order to best meet the diverse needs of her clientele, Debra remains committed to ongoing education and utilizing the vast resources available through CENTURY 21 Award, the brokerage that launched her real estate career. “This company has stood by me for over eleven years, supporting me in building my business and offering my clients the best possible care,” she asserts. “In addition to an in-house marketing department, strong relocation division and the convenience of in-house escrow, I am also privy to the knowledge and experience of an incredible management team. The support and resources available through CENTURY 21 Award have been integral components to my success.

Debra is adept at working with a range of transactions including high-end and luxury home sales, REO and short sales, and relocations. Strong online and print marketing campaigns include beautiful photography designed to showcase each home’s unique beauty. In addition to her top-producer status within her brokerage, she has also earned recognition as one of CENTURY 21’s top-10 agents worldwide.

After over two decades of real estate, Debra reveals that what keeps her energized and enthusiastic is her passion for her work. “Selling houses and helping others is so rewarding,” she enthuses. “When you are passionate about your work, when you enjoy what you do, everything falls into place.”

(949) 350-0146 (949) 888-0383

debrakovacs@cox.net www.debrakovacs.com DRE# 01277417

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The Ladera Ranch News